Comparative analysis of Haemophilus influenzae type b and Escherichia coli J5 lipopolysaccharides

Haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB) and Escherichia coli J5 (J5) lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were examined to explore the basis of previously observed cross-protection. HIB-LPS and J5-LPS contained ketodeoxyoctonate, glucose, glucoheptose and glucosamine as common carbohydrate moieties, and laurate, myristate, beta-hydroxymyristate and palmitate as common fatty acids, although in different ratios. J5-LPS was five times more lethal than HIB-LPS for chick embryos. Weak serological cross-reactivity was observed by haemagglutination and two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis. No significant cross-reactivity was demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent or toxicity-neutralisation assays. The cross-reactivity observed between HIB-LPS and J5-LPS was probably due to common components in the core glycolipid.